Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS, can be spread through shared activities like drug injection into the bloodstream, sexual activity that is not protected by a condom or a diaphragm, or from an infected mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

World AIDS Day 2022: Here’s all you need to know all about the date, history, significance and theme this year of World AIDS Day in lieu of the major global health issue of HIV

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and can be transmitted through the use of contaminated syringe for medical purposes or shared activities such as injecting drugs into the bloodstream, sexual intercourse not protected through a condom or diaphragm, or from an infected mother to child during pregnancy, birth or through breastfeeding.

Significance:

World AIDS Day is significant to fight the stigma around it and focus on providing care and support for those who are already living with the disease. Like with most major public health issues, the HIV pandemic has only been presented with further challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

HIV prevention, testing and treatment all took a blow due to the lockdown and the breakdown of essential services during the coronavirus pandemic, which had taken priority, progress against the HIV pandemic has faltered, resources have shrunk and millions of lives are at risk as a result.  Hence, World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.